Newcastle United FC

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• Founded:1892
• Manager:Alan Pardew

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Shearer loving time at helm

10 Apr 2009 - 11:39:15

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Alan Shearer insists he is loving every minute of managing Newcastle United despite the sleepless nights as he looks to guide the club to safety.

The Magpies' all-time leading goalscorer took the managerial reins on a temporary basis last week, with his hometown club entrenched in the relegation zone and in danger of dropping out of the Premier League.

Shearer now has seven games to save their top-flight status following last weekend's 2-0 defeat to Chelsea on his managerial debut.

But despite the pressure of keeping the Magpies up weighing heavily on his shoulders, Shearer claims he is enjoying his time at the helm.

He told the club's official website: "I've enjoyed it all and have loved everything so far to be honest.

"I've not had much sleep, but that's not a complaint.

"It does take over your life, but I'm a football man who loves football so that's not a problem. We're working very hard, myself and all the staff.

"We're looking at games, looking at players, speaking to players and doing everything to leave no stone unturned to try to keep this club where it belongs."

Meanwhile, Shearer is pleased that fit-again defender Sebastien Bassong is available for Saturday's crunch trip to Stoke City.

"He's been a top performer for Newcastle this season," he added.

"He's come in and settled down very well and for a youngster has taken to the Premier League extremely well.

"He's big, strong and quick and we're going to need him in the next few games and he'll be a big player for us.

"I'm delighted and I'm keeping my fingers crossed there's no reaction to his injury and he's okay to travel with the squad."